Annealing: using the laser to apply long-lasting markings to metal
Annealing is an established method for applying long-lasting markings to steel and metals. This is due to the fact that these materials show annealing colors when heated with a laser. These colors are highly dependent on the temperature at which the metal is heated. This is caused by an oxide film being generated on the surface during annealing; the oxide properties determine the color impression.
The main advantage of annealing: the surface remains completely intact; the marking is easily legible, long-lasting and resistant to abrasion. Annealing is ideal wherever a precision fit must be maintained or material bulging is prohibited. This is why this procedure is ideal for consumer goods such as cooking utensils, or medical products, for example.
How annealing works: the procedure for laser marking of metals
In order to generate annealing, the laser heats the metal locally until just before its melting point. During this process, the structure of the lattice changes; oxide is generated on the workpiece surface which is shown by the appearance of different annealing colors. These colors are temperature-stable up to approximately 200 °C. If temperatures are higher, the lattice reverts to its normal state – the mark disappears. The surface finish remains completely preserved.
In general, annealing is only possible with metals which change color under the influence of heat and oxygen, i.e. steels and titanium, but not with aluminum or non-ferrous metals. It is also not possible to mark hard metals with a dark contrast using the annealing procedure.
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What are the advantages of annealing with a laser?
The material surface is hardly affected by the marking process and remains smooth even after the mark has been applied.
Due to the smooth surface, hardly any organic residue can stick to the annealing. It is therefore particularly suitable for objects that are cleaned often.
With the right selection of parameters, annealing markings remain intact and legible - even after numerous cleaning cycles, as is common with many medical products.
Annealing has become established in medical technology in recent years and, along with the innovative black marking procedure using ultrashort pulse lasers, is ideal for product identification for unambiguous traceability, also in line with UDI guidelines.
Examples of annealing applications
Annealing markings on cast iron
Laser annealing is often used to apply QR codes or data matrix codes to metallic surfaces. The laser creates a very high-quality black mark. Contrast and visibility can be further increased by creating a white background behind the marked area. In addition to the increased contrast, the viewing angle at which the marking can be read also increases.
Marking consumer goods
The surface remains intact during annealing; the marking is easily legible, long-lasting and resistant to abrasion. This makes annealing perfect for marking cooking utensils.
Decorative purposes
Annealing on basic utility items can be used for purely decorative purposes, such as with this cheese slicer. The mark is easy to detect even after numerous cleaning cycles.
Annealing for the application of lines, dots and scales
On objects like this bronchoscope, the marking lines, dots and scales must be easily legible, high-contrast and well-protected from wear.
Product marking, product logos
Lasers create easily legible and high-contrast annealing which is ideal for applying product identifications and logos.
Creating annealing colors
By selectively setting the laser power, precise annealing colors, and therefore also colored graphics, can be created on many steels.
Clean surfaces
Clean surfaces are fundamental, especially in the medical field. Thanks to annealing, the smooth surfaces remain free of organic material even at the marked areas.
Discover the comprehensive manual "Laser marking in brief" and find out about the technical background of the processes and laser systems as well as a guideline on practical marking. Download it here!
